By Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has stepped in to defend his former manager Jose Mourinho after the Portuguese coach was accused of making racist remarks. The controversy erupted after a heated Turkish Super Lig clash between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray ended in a goalless draw.
During his post-match comments, Mourinho criticized the Galatasaray bench, saying they were “jumping like monkeys” during the game. Galatasaray swiftly condemned the remarks, calling them racist and demanding action.
However, Drogba, who played for Galatasaray and knows Mourinho well from their time together at Chelsea, stood by his former coach. Drogba insisted that Mourinho is “not a racist,” urging people to consider the context before rushing to judgment.
Drogba’s support carries weight, as he enjoyed a close relationship with Mourinho, winning multiple trophies together at Chelsea. The Ivorian striker also spent time at Galatasaray, making him uniquely positioned to understand both sides of the situation.
While the incident has sparked widespread debate in Turkey and beyond, Drogba’s defense highlights the complex nature of interpreting heated remarks made in the heat of competition.
As the Turkish Football Federation considers whether to investigate further, the controversy continues to divide opinion, with some backing Mourinho’s fiery personality and others demanding stricter consequences for his choice of words.
